Fishing Charters in Florida
Browse fishing charters in Florida that can help you catch shortnose sturgeon.
Nauti Girl Sportfishing
Palm Bay, FL
Captain Scott has been fishing Sebastian Inlet and the Space & treasure Coast since he moved here in 2002. But this is how his story started out, he saw the movie "Jaws" in June 1975 and found his calling, He started fishing along the Carolina coast and Gulf Stream at the age of 13. He fished around the world for 12 years in the US Navy, where he earned his 100 ton USCG Masters License. In 1993 in Port Aransas, Texas he was mentored by Captain Reese Green of Bill Buster's Sportfishing and he later went on to win some of the biggest fishing tournaments in the world. Island Mooring Pro Billfish Tournament 1993 and 1994 1997 Watermelon Classic Billfish Tournament 1997 Poco Bueno Blue Marlin Classic Texas Invitational Fishing Tournament 1995 Texas Women’s Anglers Tournament 1998 & 1999 Sharkey’s Pro Big Shark Tournament 1997-2000 Port Aransas Boatman “Deep Sea Round Up” 1997, 1999 and 2000 2007 Orange Beach Pro Billfish Tournament 2008 North Carolina Wahoo Shoot-Out He started Pure Pleasure Fishing in 1995 and ran it until 2003, when he moved to Melbourne, Florida and honed his skills on fishing Florida’s East Coast. Captain Scott is one of the world's top big shark fishing captains, having caught huge great whites, tiger sharks, mako sharks, bull sharks, hammerheads, blacktips, spinners and many more species. Captain Scott has caught 8 different species of billfish around the world, loves trolling and tuna fishing, bottom fishing, jigging and deep dropping. Captain Scott has caught 4 grander fish in his life (black marlin, mako shark, tiger shark and a great white). He has over a thousand + fish greater than 100 pounds boated under his skillful watch from wahoo, to blue and yellowfin tuna, thousands of sharks and many a blue marlin. Captain Scott is just missing a spearfish for his bucket list. Scott is a power production electrical engineer University of Texasand proud Long Horn. He works US Government civil service for the USAF with a TS-SCI Clearance and is retiring soon to pursue his love of fishing one last time. We are a veteran-owned company and offer Veteran and Military discounts
Hammer Down Sportfishing
Clearwater, FL
Island Baby Islamorada
Tavernier, Florida
Flying Thief Charters
Big Pine Key, Florida
Key West Tarpon Fishing with Flying Thief Charters. Let us be your guide to the best Bonefish Spin Fishing, and excellent Flats Fishing in the Florida Keys.
Fat Cat Charters
Big Pine Key, Florida
Sea Glass Excursions
Cudjoe Key, Florida
Sea Glass Excursions offers offshore and inshore fishing, snorkeling, sandbars, sunset cruise, or just a ride, I’m your guide. My Name is Captain Brian and I live in the Lower Florida Keys.
Double O Fishing Charter
Cudjoe Key, Florida
Tarpon Trips
Summerland Key, Florida
Shane Wood Fishing
Summerland Key, Florida
Shane Wood Fly Fishing Guide - Rates and Information. Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit Photo Gallery. Book your fishing charter now.
Stock Island Fishing Charters
Naval Air Station Key West, Florida
Stock Island fishing charters at the entrance to Key West. Many different charters offered for all types of anglers and vacationers.
Captain Eddie Griffiths Charters
Key West, Florida
Dry Tortugas fishing trips with Andy Griffiths charters out of Key West, Florida. Overnight fishing to Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas and Marquesas Keys. Enjoy fishing and diving on your private charter, 2 or 3 day fishing charters for snapper, grouper, mahi mahi, wahoo and more. Best reef and wreck fishing available year round in the Florida Keys and west of Key West near the Dry Tortugas National Park.
Captain Bill Lowman Anna Maria Sportfishing
Holmes Beach, Florida
Anna Maria Island Charter Fishing Guide
Best Time to Catch Shortnose Sturgeon
Best months: May, June, July, August. Right now in April, activity is fair.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Shortnose Sturgeon
While not as widely targeted as other species in the area, the elusive Shortnose Sturgeon can be found in the St. Johns River near St. Augustine. This ancient species is federally endangered, so catch-and-release is crucial. Late fall through early spring is often the best time to target them, as they migrate upstream to spawn. Focus your efforts in deeper channels and near the mouths of tributaries. Because of their protected status, knowing how to identify them is vital. Heavy tackle and circle hooks are recommended to ensure a safe release. Access to the St. Johns River is available via several public boat ramps in and around St. Augustine, but be prepared for strong currents and varying water depths. Check local regulations for any specific closures or restrictions related to sturgeon fishing before heading out.
Plan a Trip to St. Augustine
See what's biting in St. Augustine, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Shortnose Sturgeon
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Shortnose Sturgeon in St. Augustine.
Shortnose Sturgeon Fishing Regulations in Florida
Open Season
Closed
Daily Bag Limit
Zero
Size Limit
No harvest allowed
License Required
N/A
All sturgeon species are federally endangered and protected. Catch and immediate release only.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Florida state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I catch and keep a shortnose sturgeon in St. Augustine?
No, the season for shortnose sturgeon is currently closed in Florida. It is illegal to harvest or possess them.
What happens if I accidentally catch a shortnose sturgeon near St. Augustine?
If you accidentally catch a shortnose sturgeon, you must immediately release it unharmed back into the water.
Do I need a fishing license even if I'm not allowed to keep shortnose sturgeon?
While you cannot target shortnose sturgeon, you will need a valid Florida fishing license to fish in Florida waters if you are not exempt.
Why is the shortnose sturgeon season closed in Florida?
The shortnose sturgeon is a protected species. The closure is in place to help the population recover.
More Shortnose Sturgeon Fishing in Florida
Other Species to Fish in St. Augustine
Ready to Catch Shortnose Sturgeon in St. Augustine?
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